Army against emergency decree during 'Bangkok shutdown'

[webfact]

POLITICS
Army against crisis decree
The Nation


A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26.

Imposing emergency law during 'Bangkok shutdown' may make things worse: Brass; Reds warn of backlash

BANGKOK: -- The top brass disagree with the imposition of an emergency decree despite the People's Democratic Reform Committee's threat to "shut down" the capital on January 13 to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, military sources said yesterday.

The armed forces have made it clear that the soldiers assigned to deal with the protesters will carry only batons and shields, so the emergency law would not be of much help to the government, a security source said.

The government is considering an emergency decree in light of possible civil unrest after PDRC leaders said they would stage a mass rally to step up pressure on the Yingluck government to leave office to pave the way for "reform" of the country.

At the Supreme Command Headquarters, a meeting of the commanders of all three branches and the national police chief was called to evaluate the political situation. Paradorn Pattanatabut, secretary-general of the National Security Council, which proposed the emergency decree, also attended the meeting.

Military sources said the top brass feared a repeat of the confrontation with protesters during the 2010 political riots. Besides, the military does not play a major role in riot-control operations, they said.

The security law was also not yet deemed necessary at this stage and in fact might aggravate the situation. It would undermine the country's image and the economy, especially the stock market, which is sensitive to political instability.

The sources said imposing the Internal Security Act and deploying police to control the situation were adequate. Security and intelligence officials have been instructed to monitor the PDRC's mobilising of protesters from January 5-8 to evaluate the situation.

Paradorn said a meeting with the government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, which Yingluck also attended on Wednesday, discussed whether to levy the emergency decree to handle defiant protesters and brace for possible violence.

Security officials were informed that protesters from the provinces were being drafted to gather in the capital.

The officials will assess again on Sunday whether the situation is moving in the direction that the PDRC leaders have announced.

"If violence erupts or the situation develops into something that creates public terror, it fits the criteria that we can use to activate the emergency decree," he said.

Yingluck can enforce the emergency decree for three days and if she wants to extend the period, she needs the Cabinet's approval, he said.

The pro-government red-shirt camp said it would counter the PDRC with a "Bangkok open up" campaign.

Jatuporn Promphan, a core leader of the red shirts, told a press conference that the time had come for the people, red-shirt protesters among them, to stand up and fight against what he called the elite's network, which planned to recruit southerners to oust the elected government.

Seizing Bangkok would lead to civil war, he said.

"We are ready but it depends when we will make a move. If we lose democracy, we don't know what will happen. This month is the month of 'make or break'. Please wait for a signal from us. We will fight under peaceful principles," he said.

He also asked other provinces to stage warm-up rallies starting on Sunday, the same day that PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban has called for a dry run before the real operation on January 13. Further details will be disclosed later, Jatuporn said.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Constitutional Court are moving in the same direction against the government - a manoeuvring in accord with the PDRC's declared Bangkok shutdown that, he claimed, will open the way for a coup.

Red-shirt leader Thida Tavornseth said a Bangkok shutdown would be a setback for Thailand and democracy.

Seizing the capital would cause problems for the public. The PDRC and the Democrat Party were only serving aristocrats who were intent on obstructing democracy, she added.


-- The Nation 2014-01-03

[jaidam]

Well it's starting to look like the Thaksin government blaming the army for the 90 deaths during the red insurrection and burning Bangkok back in 2010 didn't win over the top brass hearts and minds. Hardly surprising. Thaksin's minions will have to deal with the huge mess they have created.

[MAJIC]

Well call me a novice,but it sounds like a coup in all but name,is poised for action!

[Mosha]

Well it's starting to look like the Thaksin government blaming the army for the 90 deaths during the red insurrection and burning Bangkok back in 2010 didn't win over the top brass hearts and minds. Hardly surprising. Thaksin's minions will have to deal with the huge mess they have created.

Yes, a case of don't call us we'll call you minister of defence.

[Raspberry]

Out of all the banana republics in the world, Thailand seems to a have a surprisingly peaceful protest. Compare to the Arab Spring countries, South Americans, Eastern Europeans and Africans, the lost of lives and the disappearances or asassinations of key leaders are very minimal.

Also, why hasn't a coup been executed already? It is no secret now that the Army is behind Suthep, but what are they waiting for? I think it's the conscience that's getting to them. To topple the government in this day means to violate the rule of law. This administration was chosen by the majority. In Thailand there is only military coups. The Army could have easily topple the government. The Yingluck really has no firearms afterall. All they have is the people. Many will argue that votes were bought. But all votes are bought in Thailand since.... Buying votes are so common and accepted that many Thais are still questioning if it is wrong or not. Of course, you are not wondering that, you can buy an ipad.

[Scamper]

If there was any doubt about where the army stood, it is now gone. Although the Thaksin-inspired Yingluck administration clearly wanted to box the army into the conflict for their own ends by the use of the emergency decree, the army is clearly not buying into it. Indeed, their presence would only escalate the crisis, as well as send alarm signals throughout the world. Even if the emergency decree is imposed, the army would only be armed with batons and shields, making their presence more symbolic. The police, of course, are under the direct control of the administration, but this is a situation that would be beyond their control. It is one thing to guard government house. It is quite another to quell a protest that extends from one end of the city to the other. And as the protest will be a peaceful march, any heavy-handedness on the part of the administration would look terrible, especially as this march will involve people from all walks of life. The media will be key in getting these images across to the country and the world at large. Of course, the UDD is back to the Thaksin playbook in the game of labels. When Thida refers to the " aristocrats " on the streets, one assumes she means the people of Thailand. Again, everyone is painted with a wide brush - and it's always the same terminology - " us " versus " them ". If Jatuporn and company descend onto this peaceful walk it will very likely not be peaceful, and could in fact precipitate the very thing they do not want - a coup. Most troubling is Jatuporn's typical yet dangerous rhetoric trying to place the NACC and Constitution Court in step with the protest movement. These are honourable, autonomous, and much-needed institutions. And inciting distrust of them is fraught with treachery. But it is the very system of checks and balances that the UDD and Thaksin have always been against. It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

[khunsiam]

If there was any doubt about where the army stood, it is now gone. Although the Thaksin-inspired Yingluck administration clearly wanted to box the army into the conflict for their own ends by the use of the emergency decree, the army is clearly not buying into it. Indeed, their presence would only escalate the crisis, as well as send alarm signals throughout the world. Even if the emergency decree is imposed, the army would only be armed with batons and shields, making their presence more symbolic. The police, of course, are under the direct control of the administration, but this is a situation that would be beyond their control. It is one thing to guard government house. It is quite another to quell a protest that extends from one end of the city to the other. And as the protest will be a peaceful march, any heavy-handedness on the part of the administration would look terrible, especially as this march will involve people from all walks of life. The media will be key in getting these images across to the country and the world at large. Of course, the UDD is back to the Thaksin playbook in the game of labels. When Thida refers to the " aristocrats " on the streets, one assumes she means the people of Thailand. Again, everyone is painted with a wide brush - and it's always the same terminology - " us " versus " them ". If Jatuporn and company descend onto this peaceful walk it will very likely not be peaceful, and could in fact precipitate the very thing they do not want - a coup. Most troubling is Jatuporn's typical yet dangerous rhetoric trying to place the NACC and Constitution Court in step with the protest movement. These are honourable, autonomous, and much-needed institutions. And inciting distrust of them is fraught with treachery. But it is the very system of checks and balances that the UDD and Thaksin have always been against. It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

Ploink!

[Yunla]

Also, why hasn't a coup been executed already? It is no secret now that the Army is behind Suthep, but what are they waiting for? I think it's the conscience that's getting to them. To topple the government in this day means to violate the rule of law.

I personally see this as an issue of pride, or face. Thailand is extremely proud of its hubs etc. and most of all Thailand is extremely proud to call itself a democracy, and rightly so. Obviously it is not an optimally-functioning democracy, but Thailand is very proud that it has a democracy nonetheless. Just look at all the party names, they all play on the word democratic. And this is part of the national pride, outside of politics, they feel proud that they retain their sovereign and beloved supreme power, while simultaneously embracing democracy. They, unlike the true tinpot dictatorships and banana republics, do really care about their image being seen as democratic on the world stage. For this reason they would seek to avoid all-out blitz on democratic principles, and try to hold back and walk this very wobbly and almost uniquely Thai line.

[Bluespunk]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

[englishoak]

Also, why hasn't a coup been executed already? It is no secret now that the Army is behind Suthep, but what are they waiting for? I think it's the conscience that's getting to them. To topple the government in this day means to violate the rule of law.

I personally see this as an issue of pride, or face. Thailand is extremely proud of its hubs etc. and most of all Thailand is extremely proud to call itself a democracy, and rightly so. Obviously it is not an optimally-functioning democracy, but Thailand is very proud that it has a democracy nonetheless. Just look at all the party names, they all play on the word democratic. And this is part of the national pride, outside of politics, they feel proud that they retain their sovereign and beloved supreme power, while simultaneously embracing democracy. They, unlike the true tinpot dictatorships and banana republics, do really care about their image being seen as democratic on the world stage. For this reason they would seek to avoid all-out blitz on democratic principles, and try to hold back and walk this very wobbly and almost uniquely Thai line.

Regarding democracy, At the moment Thailand definitely has an image problem.

[oldthaihand99]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

Edited January 3, 2014 by oldthaihand99

[Mosha]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

I love the dramatic pose/

[Chao Lao Beach]

Not like one of those hitting you on your head would just bounce off harmlessly.

[Yunla]

I love the dramatic pose/

I'm not making any analogies here, seriously, but the pointing guy looks just like that Soviet-era blue-clad worker poster.

Edited January 3, 2014 by Yunla

[Valentine]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

Done nothing for the Thai economy. You have to be kidding. Your so called wealthy middle class protesters are the majority of people who actually pay tax in this country, those very same taxes which support the rice scam amongst a myriad of other corrupt schemes. Don't you think they have a right to be annoyed about this? I would not mind if I knew part of my taxes were actually improving the lot of the poor in a positive way but as it stands now many are not getting paid for their rice & will be forced off their land. The rice scam could turn out to be a huge land grab by the already rich & corrupt.

The army were conspicuous by their presence helping during the floods & they certainly have a much better relationship with the people than the police do & IMO their current stance is admirable.

[MaxLee]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

EXACTLY... that's why I'm saying, Suthep is falling right into Thaksin's trap...

Here's the simple definition:

Anti government dudes will shut Bangkok down, Jaruporn gets orders from Thaksin to hire the entire red shirt brigade from the entire Thailand Nation to Bangkok,... Both REDS and YELLOW and multi-colored folks will kill and slaughter and murder and rape each other and destroy EVERYTHING,... EVERYTHING in Bangkok-ONLY-Bangkok, many innocent people will be involved, but who cares, neither ones problem by the top branch feudal clan...

.... In the end Thaksin isn't in Thailand anyway, and Bangkok-ONLY-Bangkok can be rebuild via the vote bought taxpayers' money attained via rice SCAM, tablet SCAM, WATER-FLOOD-SH******tLOADING other province SCAMS, Political-exception-murder-scam...

.... in short, if in Thaksin's agenda you want to conquer Anti-governments' Bangkok-ONLY-Bangkok fortress, you have to turn Reds vs Yellow, let them destroy each other AND the city, no prisoners taken, nor victims spared, and if everything is destroyed, raped, murdered and killed,... Spend the money from all the populist policy SCAMS to rebuild it Thaksin S( C)HINAWATRA style...

[Prbkk]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

Done nothing for the Thai economy. You have to be kidding. Your so called wealthy middle class protesters are the majority of people who actually pay tax in this country, those very same taxes which support the rice scam amongst a myriad of other corrupt schemes. Don't you think they have a right to be annoyed about this? I would not mind if I knew part of my taxes were actually improving the lot of the poor in a positive way but as it stands now many are not getting paid for their rice & will be forced off their land. The rice scam could turn out to be a huge land grab by the already rich & corrupt.

The army were conspicuous by their presence helping during the floods & they certainly have a much better relationship with the people than the police do & IMO their current stance is admirable.

Land grab by the rich and corrupt? Now that has a familiar ring to it...a case in Phuket comes to mind

[kotsak]

I love the dramatic pose/

I'm not making any analogies here, seriously, but the pointing guy looks just like that Soviet-era blue-clad worker poster.

Or maybe something out from Saturday Night Fever..

Edited January 3, 2014 by kotsak

[ManopY]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

This is not teargas guns or even not shotguns!!!

[Yunla]

Or maybe something out from Saturday Night Fever..

Stayin' Alive 2014.

Let's hope that Thailand has some 'Pulp Fiction' mega-success moments in its future too.

[oldthaihand99]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

Done nothing for the Thai economy. You have to be kidding. Your so called wealthy middle class protesters are the majority of people who actually pay tax in this country, those very same taxes which support the rice scam amongst a myriad of other corrupt schemes. Don't you think they have a right to be annoyed about this? I would not mind if I knew part of my taxes were actually improving the lot of the poor in a positive way but as it stands now many are not getting paid for their rice & will be forced off their land. The rice scam could turn out to be a huge land grab by the already rich & corrupt.

How is shooting themselves in the foot going to help them recover money already spent in the brothels of Dubai & YL Hello Kitty tours?

[oldthaihand99]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

EXACTLY... that's why I'm saying, Suthep is falling right into Thaksin's trap...

Here's the simple definition:

Anti government dudes will shut Bangkok down, Jaruporn gets orders from Thaksin to hire the entire red shirt brigade from the entire Thailand Nation to Bangkok,... Both REDS and YELLOW and multi-colored folks will kill and slaughter and murder and rape each other and destroy EVERYTHING,...

That would play right into the hands of those who want a military coup, i.e. to forcibly install a non elected government of their choosing. There's a reason why the reds have not come to do battle in BKK for the recent weeks of anti gov protests.

Thailand might be best off having votes on various proposed reforms prior to an election than letting either of the two major players have control now.

[happynthailand]

It's kind of hard for the army to move tank's around when there is an emergency decree inefect

[aimbc]

It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

The same "institutions" that have failed to arrest Suthep?

The "massive presence of the people"? Actually a small minority of Thai people & voters. "The people" already voted in TS & YL. The anti people Suthep gang want to use force not elections. They know they'd lose the democratic peaceful way.

That "change & reform can be achieved through peaceful means". What change? What reform? The wealthy middle class BKK protestors have achieved nothing so far except hurting the Thai economy, in particular shooting themselves in the feet. YL must be watching & laughing. No need for the Shins to do anything. Just watch & wait till the anti dems grow tired of pissing into the wind & quit.

Their only hope of victory is a coup.

Done nothing for the Thai economy. You have to be kidding. Your so called wealthy middle class protesters are the majority of people who actually pay tax in this country, those very same taxes which support the rice scam amongst a myriad of other corrupt schemes. Don't you think they have a right to be annoyed about this? I would not mind if I knew part of my taxes were actually improving the lot of the poor in a positive way but as it stands now many are not getting paid for their rice & will be forced off their land. The rice scam could turn out to be a huge land grab by the already rich & corrupt.

The army were conspicuous by their presence helping during the floods & they certainly have a much better relationship with the people than the police do & IMO their current stance is admirable.

I think you hit a point on the land grab with the rice deal. Because of the inflated price of rice, that is actually causing prices to go up quickly. So when the artificially inflated value goes down, do you think these cost would decrease. Messing with the free market is a dangerous thing for government to do. A lot of people may be loosing their land soon. Especially now the rice industry in Thailand has been tarnished.

[smoochy]

At least the photo in the article was only posing with tear gas. Could've been pouring hot oil and dropping stones from the rooftops.

[Bluespunk]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

I love the dramatic pose/

Bangkok Post front cover is even better. Blowing a little kiss as poses.

[Bluespunk]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

This is not teargas guns or even not shotguns!!!

Not seen that picture before. Was that the gear the police on the roof had?

[gabruce]

If there was any doubt about where the army stood, it is now gone. Although the Thaksin-inspired Yingluck administration clearly wanted to box the army into the conflict for their own ends by the use of the emergency decree, the army is clearly not buying into it. Indeed, their presence would only escalate the crisis, as well as send alarm signals throughout the world. Even if the emergency decree is imposed, the army would only be armed with batons and shields, making their presence more symbolic. The police, of course, are under the direct control of the administration, but this is a situation that would be beyond their control. It is one thing to guard government house. It is quite another to quell a protest that extends from one end of the city to the other. And as the protest will be a peaceful march, any heavy-handedness on the part of the administration would look terrible, especially as this march will involve people from all walks of life. The media will be key in getting these images across to the country and the world at large. Of course, the UDD is back to the Thaksin playbook in the game of labels. When Thida refers to the " aristocrats " on the streets, one assumes she means the people of Thailand. Again, everyone is painted with a wide brush - and it's always the same terminology - " us " versus " them ". If Jatuporn and company descend onto this peaceful walk it will very likely not be peaceful, and could in fact precipitate the very thing they do not want - a coup. Most troubling is Jatuporn's typical yet dangerous rhetoric trying to place the NACC and Constitution Court in step with the protest movement. These are honourable, autonomous, and much-needed institutions. And inciting distrust of them is fraught with treachery. But it is the very system of checks and balances that the UDD and Thaksin have always been against. It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

Your comment isn't clear, so I think that you are saying that the army is neutral? Otherwise a useful commentary.

[Roadman]

If there was any doubt about where the army stood, it is now gone. Although the Thaksin-inspired Yingluck administration clearly wanted to box the army into the conflict for their own ends by the use of the emergency decree, the army is clearly not buying into it. Indeed, their presence would only escalate the crisis, as well as send alarm signals throughout the world. Even if the emergency decree is imposed, the army would only be armed with batons and shields, making their presence more symbolic. The police, of course, are under the direct control of the administration, but this is a situation that would be beyond their control. It is one thing to guard government house. It is quite another to quell a protest that extends from one end of the city to the other. And as the protest will be a peaceful march, any heavy-handedness on the part of the administration would look terrible, especially as this march will involve people from all walks of life. The media will be key in getting these images across to the country and the world at large. Of course, the UDD is back to the Thaksin playbook in the game of labels. When Thida refers to the " aristocrats " on the streets, one assumes she means the people of Thailand. Again, everyone is painted with a wide brush - and it's always the same terminology - " us " versus " them ". If Jatuporn and company descend onto this peaceful walk it will very likely not be peaceful, and could in fact precipitate the very thing they do not want - a coup. Most troubling is Jatuporn's typical yet dangerous rhetoric trying to place the NACC and Constitution Court in step with the protest movement. These are honourable, autonomous, and much-needed institutions. And inciting distrust of them is fraught with treachery. But it is the very system of checks and balances that the UDD and Thaksin have always been against. It is time for the people to stand up for the institutions that guard the rule of law, and indeed have been successful in keeping Thaksin away. In all likelihood, there will be no coup, as the massive presence of the people will show that change and reform can indeed be achieved through peaceful means. And that's a positive image.

Good post.

[Thait Spot]

"A policeman demonstrates for members of the media yesterday how teargas canisters were hurled from the roof of a building in the Labour Ministry compound during a clash between police and protesters on December 26."

Wasn't that where the "policemen in black" were? Does this mean the police were hurling tear has canisters from the roof into the crowd below? Is that safe?

This is not teargas guns or even not shotguns!!!

There is some explanation required

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app